Cheb Najim

Born on January 18, 1985 in Suresnes (Hauts-de-Seine), Najim Amari, known as Najim or Cheb Najim, grew up in Algeria, where he has lived since he was three months old. His family brought him into contact with music at an early age, and he became a choir director before setting up his first group at the age of twelve, performing at weddings and christenings. Returning to France at the age of 18, he performed in Parisian cabarets and clubs before meeting Salah Rahoui. Salah Rahoui gave him the impetus he needed to follow through on his ideas, culminating in his first album, Kount Enhawes, released in 2004. Selling tens of thousands of copies, Najim's first songs, inspired by Algerian raï, instantly won over audiences. Najim was soon back on the recording front with Hsabtek ana in 2006, followed by Saba in 2007, a new album backed by Virgin Music France. The latter further established him as one of the new faces of Raï, featuring Cheikha Rimitti on "N'Rouhou N'Zourou". Renowned for his collaborations, such as with rapper Lacrim on "Beauté fatale", or his covers, including Francis Cabrel's "Je t'aimais" , Najim has built up a solid legacy over the years, accumulating albums such as Mkhabami Galbi (2010).